The Late Sub with Claire Watkins

This week, Claire breaks down the new NWSL CBA that will change just about everything about how the league runs, she thinks, for the better. Then she takes listener questions on struggling NWSL clubs, player contracts, looking ahead for the USWNT and more.

In today's episode, Claire says a happy welcome back to the WNBA, as teams battle for postgame positioning in the final month of the regular season. The New York Liberty look like the team to beat, but how are other teams progressing, and are there teams that should be worried about slipping in the standings? Then, Claire looks at her wishlist for the rest of the 2024 NWSL season, as teams gear up for their first regular season matchups since before the Olympics.

In this weeks episode, Claire talks through the final few days of the 2024 Olympics, a gold medal basketball game that went the distance in ways nobody expected, big winners and losers from the Olympic soccer tournament and more. Then, she has a lovely chat with Arsenal and Lionesses forward Alessia Russo about returning to the U.S. after spending her college days in Chapel Hill for her club’s upcoming friendly matchup against the Washington Spirit.

This week, Claire takes a deep breath and looks at what we've seen in women's sports so far in the Olympics, including generational talents and both established and brand new stars to follow. She hypes up the U.S. gymnastics squad, asks who really rules the pool, and shouts out newcomers to the international stage that became the surprise hits of the Games. Then she previews the USWNT's upcoming semifinal against Germany, as the soccer Olympics field braces for two rematches.

On today’s episode, Claire takes a look at the USWNT’s performances in their first two Olympic soccer matches, as the team cruises to a quarterfinal spot with a game still to play in the group stage. She talks through the team making their own luck, some touchy moments in defense, and what to make of the team’s ever-shifting midfield. Then she hits on a few of the biggest Olympic storylines of week one, including a battle in the pool, a historic moment in gymnastics, and the ongoing Canada soccer drone-gate saga.

This week, Claire discusses WNBA All-Star weekend, which felt both like a celebration of how the league has grown over the past year and set Team USA up for a particularly competitive Olympics. Then, she reviews the field for the Olympic soccer tournament, pointing out her personal Group of Death and seeing how the U.S. might still be in the medal conversation despite their current rebuild under Emma Hayes.

This week, Claire breaks down in depth the days prior to the USWNT’s first send-off series game, also discussing performances, what worked and what still needs developing, as the team moves towards a crucial Olympic competition that will dictate the future of the team. She then turns toward WNBA All-Star weekend, with a short chat with Gatorade women’s basketball player of the year Joyce Edwards alongside former WNBA All-Star and Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally.

This week, Claire takes the solo mic to break down a beautiful new rivalry between the Orlando Pride and the Kansas City Current, while taking stock of where every NWSL team has landed going into the leagues regular season Olympic break. Then, she does the same with the WNBA, looking at small shifts that could impact the standings after Paris. She takes stock of individual performances in the context of the two WNBA all-star teams, and takes the temperature for just how prepared both the NWSL and WNBA have gotten their athletes for the Olympics.

This week, Claire hones in on the upcoming marquee NWSL matchup between Orlando and Kansas City by pondering the question: how did the Orlando Pride transform into a contender? She speaks with Pride general manager Haley Carter about the construction of Orlando’s turnaround, and then chats with Pride forward Ally Watt about the team’s transformation on the field. Off the soccer field, Claire then does a check in on where the WNBA is trending as they near a significant Olympic break.

Claire hops on to react to the 2024 USWNT Olympic roster, with one big omission marking a new era of the team. She chats through the benefits of experience vs potential, versatility and fitness, and how this team will continue to gel while meeting the internal expectations of new manager Emma Hayes, which might not always coincide with what the fans want out of a major tournament.

In today’s episode, Claire talks through the widening gap between top NWSL contenders and the rest of the pack after more statement performances from Kansas City and Orlando. Then, she chats with Rookie of the Year (and possibly MVP?) frontrunner Croix Bethune about playing with joy, what makes the Washington midfield tick and more. And then finally she breaks down the current state of the WNBA, where mid-standings rivalries are just as exciting as the title contenders.

In this week’s episode, Claire sits down with Kansas City midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta to understand what’s driving the Current’s unbeaten streak, celebration culture, goals under Vlatko Andonovski and more. Then Claire takes the mic alone to look at the state of the WNBA, which teams are surging and which could use a reset after another week of highs and lows.

This week, Claire talks through a wacky NWSL weekend, where attendance records, baseball celebrations, and strange red cards reigned. She discusses which styles of play are being rewarded this year, as the top teams continue to distance themselves from the pack. Then, she breaks down the reported USA women’s basketball Olympic roster, talking surprises, snubs, whether the teams approach to the player pool is healthy and what it will take for the team to win yet another gold medal.

This week, Claire talks through the USWNT’s first friendly under new manager Emma Hayes, with a dominant 4-0 win over South Korea. She talks through big performances from Mallory Swanson and Tierna Davidson, a midfield that looks refreshed, and her own personal picks for the Olympic roster. Then, she digs into the big stories out of the WNBA this weekend, as the Indiana Fever finally end their early gauntlet of games, the Sun go 8-0, and the conversation off the court about fouls heats up.

This week, Claire breaks down a wild week in the WNBA, with MVP level performances, a few hard fouls, and a wide-spread impressive start from the 2024 rookie class. Then, she breaks down how the NWSL is beginning to see a natural top five teams emerge, and the floor beginning to drop out from bottom of the table performers. Are a few playoff contenders in trouble? Only time will tell.

Claire talks this week’s NWSL snapshot through the context of the league’s coaches, discussing her early coach of the year shortlist, with both surprises and steady performances. She also breaks down which coaching seats might be getting a little hot, and they might not be the names you’d expect. Then, she turns to the first full week of WNBA action, giving out superlatives for the strongest performers thus far. She takes a look at how the 2024 rookie class is doing, and makes a pitch for how Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever could start to turn things around.

Claire watched every game of WNBA opening tip-off on Tuesday and she has some things to say! Connecticut dampened Caitlin Clark’s big debut (but there are reasons to think she’ll be okay), Las Vegas looked ready for a three-peat and a few rebuilding teams surprised. Then, she digs into another busy NWSL slate of games, where the separation between the top and bottom of the table means more interesting matchups in the middle, where the Gotham superteam is slowly beginning to show off on the field.

This week, Claire takes a look at the first weekend of WNBA preseason, as fans saw first glimpses of Caitlin Clark and the rest of her draft class against league competition. She also talks through some growing pains the league is still experiencing while trying to capitalize on fan interest. Then, she breaks down packed NWSL week, where winning and losing streaks only tell part of the story for each club as they navigate short rest, travel, and player availability. Orlando sits atop the table, but who else is separating themselves from the pack?

Claire takes a look at the weekend’s NWSL action through the lense of the USWNT’s next era, with permanent manager Emma Hayes’ first roster rapidly approaching. She breaks down the USWNT roster bubble for the Olympics and beyond, and shouts out the NWSL talent providing an Olympic preview for other international sides. Then, she discusses Candace Parker’s surprise retirement announcement. She breaks down what made Parker so special in a still-growing league, and why her legacy will be felt for many years to come as embodied by this year’s rookie class.

Claire goes deep on a number of NWSL teams, including why she likes Angel City’s recent trades, what Washington is doing right, and what Vlatko Andonovski seems to have learned from his time coaching the USWNT. Then, Claire breaks down Caitlin Clark’s massive new Nike deal and what it tells us about the economic realities of women’s basketball today.

Claire recaps the WNBA Draft, discussing both the winners as well as the surprises from draft night. She breaks down what Caitlin Clark brings to the Fever, and why this draft class might put pressure on the league to accelerate their timelines. Claire also talks Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese in Chicago, and Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson in LA. Then, she turns to the NWSL, explaining what’s gone wrong for the Thorns this year — and reacting live to the breaking news that Mike Norris has been removed from the head coaching role.

Live from Ohio, Claire breaks down a blockbuster NCAA Championship between South Carolina and Iowa — and why losing her entire starting five from last season brought out the best of Dawn Staley (02:45). Claire discusses what made this year’s South Carolina squad (literally) unbeatable, why Iowa’s seniors should be at peace with their performance, and what comes next for Caitlin Clark. After previewing next year’s NCAAW season (18:45), Claire turns her attention to the USWNT and their SheBelieves Cup win over Japan (21:15).

Claire recaps a blockbuster game between Iowa and LSU, and why Kim Mulkey dared Caitlin Clark to beat them from distance — which she did. Claire also talks UConn vs USC, before making her picks for the Final Four. Then, she turns her attention to the NWSL, explaining why Kansas City is for real, and why Portland needs to turn things around ASAP.

Claire breaks down the opening weekend of March Madness (00:37), discussing which teams have impressed her and which still have something to prove. Claire then talks the latest USWNT roster and why this SheBelieves Cup squad is already a reflection of Emma Hayes (20:42). Finally, Claire’s bucketing every NWSL squad into tiers after the second weekend of games (32:18).

Claire jumps into the women’s March Madness bracket and why Iowa’s path to the Final Four is absolutely stacked. Claire discusses the importance of conference tournaments on seeding and why USC could be set to go on a run. Then, she breaks down the opening weekend of NWSL play, including her winners and losers from the first slate of games.

Claire breaks down the LSU-South Carolina drama and why Kim Mulkey’s comments might be a smokescreen for the Tigers’ bigger issues. Then, she reacts to the USWNT’s Gold Cup win and what it means for both the team and individual players hoping to make the Olympics. Last, Claire wraps with a quick NWSL preview ahead of this weekend’s Challenge Cup battle.

Claire Watkins reacts to the USWNT’s 3-0 win over Colombia, highlighting the team’s mentality, as well as the veteran performances of Alex Morgan and Alyssa Naeher. Claire also praises Jaedyn Shaw while discussing how the win highlighted the USWNT’s ability to thread the needle with their roster. Claire then turns to college basketball to explain why Caitlin Clark made the right move in going pro (and why Cameron Brink should as well). Finally, Claire looks ahead to the tournament, before ending with a note on the importance of referees.

Welcome to a bonus episode of The Late Sub! Recorded on Monday, Feb. 26, Claire gets into some of the big college basketball picture after teams struggled to grind out wins late in the regular season. Then, she breaks down the big decisions facing college seniors. Finally, she takes a look at the larger happenings in global football, and wonders if Spain are the clear frontrunners for the Olympics.

In this special, USWNT-only edition of The Late Sub, Claire breaks down the team’s 2-0 loss to Mexico, and why it felt like a game from the Andonovski era. Then, Claire is joined by CBS Sports’ Sandra Herrera to discuss the Gold Cup more broadly and why the USWNT needs to fully embrace their inexperienced youth.

Claire reflects on Caitlin Clark’s position in college basketball history after she passes Kelsey Plum for the scoring record. She also touches on Geno Auriemma’s latest milestone, Paige Buecker’s returning, and Brittney Griner’s overdue jersey retirement. Then, Claire dives into the USWNT, previewing the Gold Cup and who she wants to see on the field while also discussing Mia Fishel’s torn ACL. She also reflects on Lindsey Horan’s comments about American fans and the USWNT’s captain’s apology. To wrap up, Claire celebrates Sabrina's stand-out showing in her 3-point shootout with Steph Curry at NBA All-Star.

Claire breaks down the latest USWNT roster and what it means for the veterans who didn’t make the cut. Then, she dives into WNBA Free Agency and reflects on what happened with Elena Delle Donne. Finally, Claire wraps with an update on Caitlin Clark’s record chase and South Carolina’s convincing win over UConn, before circling back to the USWNT's current state and Lindsey Horan's much-discussed quotes on the team's mentality.

Claire Watkins breaks down the latest stories in women’s sports, starting with college basketball and why Caitlin Clark might just want to get this all-time scoring record out of the way. Then, Claire dives into NWSL preseason and what an influx of coaches and players mean for the league. Finally, Claire walks through the early days of WNBA free agency and why every team is working with the Aces in mind. Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode. Follow Claire on Twitter/X (@scoutripley) and sign up for the Just Women’s Sports newsletter at justwomenssports.com/newsletter/

The Late Sub with Claire Watkins brings you the latest news and freshest takes in women’s sports. This is the weekly rundown you’ve been missing, covering the USWNT, NWSL, WNBA, college hoops, and whatever else is popping off in women’s sports each week. Special guest appearances with the biggest names in women’s sports make The Late Sub a must-listen for every fan.

On this special bonus episode of Snacks, Lynn Williams and Sam Mewis share a major announcement about the future of the show. They then reminisce on the top 10 Snacks moments over the years, from iconic interviews with teammates and friends to the origins of "Are you having an OK time?" They finish the episode with a show of gratitude to the Snacks squad, JWS crew, and Snacks fans everywhere.

Shop 50% off all Snacks merch using code CHOMP at shop.justwomenssports.com Lynn and Sam recap the epic Gotham victory from beginning to end starting with Lynn accidentally passing the ball right to Emily Sonnett. They talk through the tragic injury to Megan Rapinoe, Lynn’s goal, Esther’s winner, and that red card that somehow no one understood. Later, they get into the after parties and how the cigars got there, after all. Finally, Sam speaks on her injury recovery and they decide their DJ duo name, once and for all.

Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams unpack a crazy semi-finals weekend as Gotham and OL Reign move on to battle in San Diego. They discuss Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger in the final fight of their careers, leaving only one to hold the NWSL Champion title. Then, Lynn describes what this next week has in store for her in the lead up to the big game. Later, legend Abby Wambach joins the show to chat the future of the NWSL, discuss what life after soccer is like, and give some heartfelt words of encouragement. Lastly, Sam and Lynn hit the Snacks hotline and debate who would be more convincing in a Freaky Friday situation.

The Quarterfinals are done and the Bats and the Reign have advanced - meaning both Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger will see at least one more match. Lynn and Sam dive into the two match ups and discuss how OL overcame a hot Angel City, and how Gotham secured a 2-0 win over the always difficult Courage. Then, Savannah DeMelo joins the show to discuss her role on the USWNT, what it was like to get her first cap at a World Cup, and what she's hoping for the team moving forward. Finally, Sam and Lynn hit the Snacks hotline and discuss how they even became friends in the first place.

Sam and Lynn recap NWSL Decision Day which was a frenzy of WILD LIVE TABLE DRAMA. The Wave took it home, Gotham made it through, and the Pride and Spirit were left empty-handed - and they react to all of it. Then, Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner, joins the show to talk about the future of the league, free agnecy, and how next year's expansion teams can best succeed. Finally, Sam and Lynn hit the hotline and give their advice to a Varsity Soccer Team trying to stay undefeated.

Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams discuss Sam's birthday weekend, the NWSL Decision Day, and all of the possible scenarios for this year's playoff picture. Later, Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett join the show for "the worst interview ever" filled with hilarious moments and valuable soccer insights from within the league. To wrap things up, Sam and Lynn take on fan voicemails, including the extremely important question: "What's your favorite girl dinner?"

Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams dive into the NWSL playoff race, that is so close, it could come down to a coin flip. Later, we're joined by Ify Onumonu from Gotham FC and the Nigerian National Team. She shares her journey to her first World Cup with the Nigerian National Team, reflects on how Gotham FC has evolved over the years, and her favorite vegan Nigerian snacks.

Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams chat fall vibes, the recent USWNT camp, and Julie Ertz/Megan Rapinoe's last games with the US. Then, Portland Thorns and Canadian National Team's Janine Beckie joins the show to talk about the rise of ACL injuries in women's soccer, what needs to be done to fix it, and this year's World Cup from her perspective.

Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams send Lynn off to the USWNT training camp, assign new food-inspired mascots to all of the NWSL teams, and chat with San Diego Wave's and USWNT's Naomi Girma about her World Cup experience, thoughts on the upcoming Olympics, and her role as a young leader.

Sam and Lynn recap the NWSL’s last Challenge Cup match, Coco Gauff's historic U.S. Open win, and Lynn being called into the USWNT’s September camp. Then, World Cup champion and San Diego Wave defender Abby Dahlkemper joins the show to talk her return from injury and life in San Diego. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam and Lynn break discuss the NWSL table before attempting to re-name some clubs after their city’s most famous food (0:00). Then, Washington Spirit star Ashley Hatch joins Snacks (13:52) to discuss the NWSL Golden Boot race, how she moved forward after the world cup team selection, what she learned from the experience, and the Spirits’ 2023 playoff push. The trio wraps with a game of Start, Bench, Cut before Lynn and Sam listen to the first-ever Snacks voicemail (39:34). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snacks is back! Lynn Williams and Sam Mewis start by recapping the USWNT’s World Cup run, including the loss to Sweden and what the journey meant to Lynn. They’re then joined by USWNT keeper Alyssa Naeher (18:00), who talks in depth about the penalty shootout against Sweden and why she’s not convinced the last goal went in. They wrap by looking ahead to the rest of the NWSL season, including the last Challenge Cup ever (46:35). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super-Sized Snacks! This week, Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams talk about Lynn's big week after being named to the USWNT’s World Cup Roster. That’s followed by a World Cup preview, as Sam digs into the opening matches and teams to look for this tournament. Sam hosts a special interview with Lynn as her guest, then Angel City and New Zealand captain Ali Riley joins the show to discuss what it means for the Football Ferns to co-host the 2023 World Cup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snacks is here and celebrating that Lynn made the team! Then they do a full preview of the 23-woman roster. Later, America’s captain Becky Sauerbrunn joins the show and discusses how the team moves forward now that she’s ruled out due to injury. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lynn and Sam break down a chippy game in Houston and the rest of a high-scoring NWSL weekend. Then, USWNT star Crystal Dunn joins the show to talk Portland’s Ed Hardy jerseys, her son’s first birthday, who his favorite aunt is, how she’s getting ready for the World Cup, the difference between playing for the national team and the Thorns, and so much more. The three wrap with a game of Senior Superlatives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, Sam talks about her trip to Amsterdam and summit with FIFPro - and seeing the Women's Champions League Final! Then, Sam and Lynn break down another weekend of NWSL action. Later, USWNT defender Emily Fox joins to talk about the World Cup, how she’s dealing with pre-roster announcement stress, when she found out she was going No. 1 in the NWSL draft, her first impressions of Sam and Lynn, why she chose soccer over gymnastics, and more. The three wrap up with a new game: Lock, Bubble or Drop, which is just as fun as it sounds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lindsey Horan joins Snacks to discuss being USWNT leadership, this summer’s World Cup, and why she returned to playing in France. First, Sam and Lynn break down the weekend’s NWSL action, including a controversial VAR call. Then, Lindsey Horan joins the show (18:53) to discuss her legacy as the first American woman to turn professional out of high school, what makes Vlatko Andonovski’s job so hard, why Wendie Renard is still underrated, and so much more. To wrap, all three play another round of Snack or Pass (48:21). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.